Rethinking Urban Interventions and the Planning Process: The Role of Virtual Reality for the Transformation of Public Engagement

Markus Holzmair ()
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Markus Holzmair: University of the Bundeswehr Munich, Institute of Transport and Regional Planning

A chapter in XR and Metaverse, 2026, pp 339-351 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract Effective public engagement is crucial for successful urban planning, especially for urban interventions that directly impact residents and businesses. Traditional urban planning methods, reliant on static drawings and plans, often fail to communicate the tangible effects of proposed changes, making it difficult for stakeholders to visualize and support transformations. This paper explores Virtual Reality (VR) as an innovative communication tool to bridge this gap, enabling immersive simulations that allow the public to experience and evaluate urban changes before implementation. By integrating VR into open houses and mobile outreach efforts, urban planners can present before-and-after scenarios, making urban interventions more relatable and comprehensible. This study examines a planned urban street experiment, where mobile VR booths engage residents directly. Findings highlight VR’s ability to foster informed discourse, reduce opposition, and enhance inclusivity while also generating valuable insights for design research.

Keywords: Urban design; Autonomous; Dynamic; Virtual reality; Eye tracking; User acceptability; Urban interventions; Public engagement; Curbside management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:prbchp:978-3-032-11983-4_25

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-11983-4_25

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